Director of Growth and Innovation

This is a fully remote role open to candidates based in Latin America and the United States. Willingness to spend part or full year in Nosara is a plus.

About Shift Esperanza

Shift Esperanza is a pioneering regenerative real estate community in Nosara, Costa Rica. Set on 108 acres in one of Central America’s most sought-after destinations for conscious living, the project blends sustainability, wellness, and community in a master-planned, multi-phase development. Our vision is to create beautiful, sustainable living spaces that promote environmental stewardship while fostering deep human connection.

Built on principles of permaculture, wellness, and carbon-negative design, Shift Esperanza represents a new paradigm for real estate, where development becomes a positive force for people and the planet.

About Shift Living and Blesso Properties

Shift Esperanza is the first project of Shift Living, which was founded to be the world’s first recognizable global brand for conscious real estate development. Shift Living was conceived by Blesso Properties (BP), founded in New York in 1998 by Matthew Blesso and now based in Costa Rica. Over the past two decades, BP has executed creative, award-winning projects in New York, Panama, and Costa Rica, generating returns well above industry norms and earning international recognition for design and innovation. BP has spent 13 years developing the concept for Shift Living and 6 years planning and permitting Shift Esperanza, which is now entering its vertical development phase.

About the Role

Shift Esperanza has assembled a high-performing core team overseeing development, sales, marketing, and Finance. The Director of Growth and Innovation will play a central role in advancing Shift’s next stage of evolution, leading innovation, operational excellence, and the execution of key initiatives beyond real estate development. This role will drive programs that expand our social mission, deepen our impact, and lead the scaling of the Shift Living model to other markets within and outside Costa Rica. It is both strategic and hands-on, ideal for a seasoned, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in visionary, purpose-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the Founder and Director of Development

• Develop scalable frameworks and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for future projects

• Improve operational efficiency across all departments through process design and implementation

• Negotiate agreements and contracts with key partners (hospitality, coworking, wellness, and others)

• Identify and manage strategic partnerships to position Shift as a center for thought leadership and sustainable innovation

• Contribute to the vision and execution of the commercial hub, master plan, and sales and marketing strategies

• Design and implement a charitable partner selection and application process

• Establish operations for the wood and metal workshops and the Bio Design Center

• Launch and shape a property management company using AI, fintech, and community-focused innovation

• Research global models of regenerative communities to continuously evolve Shift’s approach

• Lead investor relations and equity-raising efforts for future projects

• Oversee sustainability certifications and impact measurement programs

• Develop and manage a community app and digital engagement tools

• Design systems for shared mobility, car sharing, and communal resource management

• Explore and structure a potential fractional ownership model

• Develop educational partnerships, including university collaborations and studio programs

• Manage intern and fellowship programs

• Direct the Shift Arts Program, including:

• Large-scale installations
• Artist-in-residence initiatives
• Gallery and cultural programming
• Lead sustainability projects such as waste reduction strategies and resource circularity
• Research and execute potential acquisitions (e.g., teak farm, rock quarry) to reduce material costs
• Systematize and delegate responsibilities to free the founder’s time for strategic leadership

Role Requirements

• Proven entrepreneurial mindset and ability to execute without a defined playbook

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, ideally including real estate or sustainable development

• Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish preferred)

• Deep alignment with Shift’s mission and ability to achieve both financial and social objectives

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence

• Strong professional network and capacity to cultivate partnerships

• Willingness to spend part or full year in Nosara (a plus)

How to Apply

Send your resume and a short video (maximum 3 minutes) to Grecia Yepez Ortiz at grecia@blessoproperties.com or via WhatsApp +51 955 360 991.

In your video, please answer the following:

•  Why are you interested in this position?

•  What do you know about our company?

•  Could you please highlight your proven entrepreneurial track record?

• What is your ideal work environment?

•  Why are you a great fit for this role?

•  Where do you see yourself in five years?

Important Note: Please keep in mind that we will only move forward with applicants who have sent both their video and resume.